As discussed in last week’s post, it is really important to give back to the community. For part 2 of this 3 part series, I wanted to list a few of the service projects groups and individuals have completed or are in the process of completing. As an OSU student, there are plenty of opportunities for people to take part in community service projects close to campus.

1. Pets without Parents is a no-kill animal shelter that is always looking for people to help clean up after the animals and walk them. Now, if you’re like me (meaning you do not have the ability to simply walk into a shelter without feeling the urge to adopt a pet immediately) then you can always just donate supplies to shelter. They are always looking for cleaning supplies, Cat Litter, extra leashes, etc. They also accept cash, check, or credit card donations. It is located on Oakland Park Ave, so not too far from the campus area.

2. Rock the Block is a community service initiative that many different student organizations take part in during May Week of spring quarter. Once organizations sign up for the event, they are scheduled to go to a site somewhere around Columbus and complete a project there. It is an all day event and students are bussed to and from their scheduled site as well as other goodies such as snacks donated by local businesses and t-shirts. Mechanical Engineering student and member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Tim Sposit, says, “It’s a great bonding experience with your friends while doing something good for the community.” So check with your student organization in the spring to see how you can get involved!

3. NOURISH International- OSU Chapter is a student organization that plans events to raise money throughout the school year in order to send members abroad to work on service project. During the summer of 2009, members went to Bolivia to help build an orphanage. In summer 2010, members went to Peru to help with building a water pipeline/reservoir for families in a small, Peruvian village. As a former member of the organization, you have the ability to help others on a global level. This is an amazing way to make an impact on an entire village by doing some type of sustainable project that can be kept up once you leave.

4. Center for Child and Family Advocacy (CCFA) is a center dedicated to helping children who have been victims of domestic or sexual abuse. The center is a “one-stop” place where parents or guardians can take the children to have everything from filing a police report to speaking with a social worker about the case goes through this center. As a former volunteer here, I can tell you this is such an amazing place to volunteer. Everyone you meet really wants to help these children and they do an amazing job too. I worked in the child playroom (watching the children or siblings while parents spoke with social workers or doctors), but there are other parts of the center that can use volunteers if you don’t feel comfortable working with the children. One of the perks of volunteering here is that you can take the COTA bus from campus and it will drop you off right in front of CCFA. Also, they are more than willing to work with your schedule, an even bigger bonus.

If any of these projects interests you, you can always visit each organization’s website then go from there. Volunteering and community service is a big part of the culture at OSU. Buckeye students really value giving back to campus as well as the rest of Columbus area, which is something that makes Ohio State stand out.